Celebrate Australia Day 2026 in Ararat Rural City
Ararat Rural City Council is inviting residents and visitors to come together on Monday 26 January 2026 for a full day of Australia Day celebrations, honouring local achievers, welcoming new citizens, and enjoying free family activities across the municipality.
The bumper program includes a civic ceremony and awards at Alexandra Oval Community Centre, a ‘Party in the Park’ at Alexandra Gardens, and pool parties at Willaura and Lake Bolac.
The day will begin with a free community breakfast at the Alexandra Community Centre from 9am to 10am, proudly cooked and served by the Lions Club. From 9.30am the Ararat City Band will set the tone with live music leading into the official proceedings. Show n’ Shine will also be making an anticipated appearance.
From 10.05am, the Australia Day Awards will recognise Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community Project of the Year, shining a light on the people and groups who make a positive difference in Ararat Rural City. A Citizenship Ceremony led by Mayor Cr Bob Sanders will follow, along with an affirmation led by the Deputy Mayor.
Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said Australia Day in Ararat Rural City was an opportunity to recognise the generosity of community-minded residents and hear their stories. “Every year, our awards show just how many people quietly get on with helping their neighbours, backing their clubs, and supporting local projects, and it is a privilege to stand alongside them,” Cr Sanders said. “Australia Day in our patch is about sharing a meal, enjoying our parks and pools, and celebrating the people who roll up their sleeves for this community.”
From midday, hundreds of people will converge on the Alexandra Gardens for a 'Party in the Park', where there’ll be a free barbecue lunch, live music from The Runaway Strings, free face painting, a balloon artist, free ice cream, food vans, and a coffee van. Activities are planned to run until 3pm, giving families plenty of time to relax, picnic, and enjoy the entertainment.
Australia Day activities in Willaura and Lake Bolac will include pool parties at the respective outdoor pools from 12pm to 3pm featuring free barbecues, games, music, and giveaways. Council will again support inflatables, pool party prizes, and Australia Day-themed items to create a fun, party atmosphere for people of all ages.
Further details, including any updates to the program and award presentation details, will be published on Council’s website and social media channels closer to the day.
